Reverend Manful has urged people dealing with grief and emotional pain to prioritise their own healing before attempting to help others navigate similar challenges.
Speaking on Plan B FM’s family, relationship and lifestyle programme, Nyansapo Fie, hosted by Akosua Gyamfua, Rev. Manful said grief is often closely connected to the depth of emotional attachment people have to relationships, family and other aspects of life.
He explained that heartbreak and sorrow can become particularly difficult to manage when people struggle to understand sudden losses, broken relationships or unexpected disappointments.
According to him, when life does not turn out as people expect, the mind can struggle to process what has happened, leading to confusion, prolonged distress and emotional pain.
Rev. Manful cautioned against constantly trying to find logical explanations for painful experiences, noting that some situations may be difficult to fully understand or rationalise.
He stressed the importance of self-awareness and emotional healing, particularly for people who are supporting friends or family members going through difficult periods.
The reverend said individuals should deal with their own unresolved pain before trying to rescue others, as unaddressed trauma can affect the way they respond to people who need their support.
He also encouraged parents and mentors to be more patient and constructive when dealing with children and young people who may be struggling.
Rather than immediately blaming children for their mistakes or challenges, Rev. Manful urged parents to identify constructive ways of addressing their shortcomings while providing the necessary guidance and support.
He noted that excessive blame can worsen emotional struggles and create further tension within families.
Rev. Manful ultimately encouraged people to approach grief and relationship challenges with grace, healthy emotional boundaries, empathy and intentional self-care, stressing that acknowledging one’s own pain is an important part of the healing process.
By: Sandra Kwapong
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